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Prosthetic Hand

Prosthetic thumb that is affordable and can function well enough for the patient to be able to go back to work.

Design Award

  • Design Excellence Award Honorable Mention

Project Overview

The patient is a low-income individual who has suffered a severe infection, resulting in the loss of his thumb, index finger, and middle finger, the medial part of his palm in his right (dominant) hand. The ring finger is immobile, while the pinky can bend up to an angle of 10 degrees. His wrist can bend 20 to 30 degrees from the neutral position. The skin spanning from his palm to ⅔ way up his forearm received an allograft. Superficial nerve function in this area is lost, resulting in hypoesthesia. There is sensitivity and pain at the locations of the lost digits, so contact should be avoided at these points. The patient is unable to complete simple tasks that require substantial weight bearing or dexterity, resulting in an inability to perform required tasks at a job or even daily living. To help the patient, a functional, long-term thumb prosthetic is designed, allowing a counter force for the pinky of up to 17N [2]. It must also provide a way to hold smaller items, such as a writing utensil, and assist in writing among other fine motor functions.

Team Picture

From left to right: Emily Groves, Danielle Lefko, Ren Scharlau, and Stephanie Silin
From left to right: Emily Groves, Danielle Lefko, Ren Scharlau, and Stephanie Silin

Files

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Emmalina Groves - Team Leader
  • Stephanie Silin - Communicator & BPAG
  • Danielle Lefko - BSAC
  • Karen Scharlau - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Mitchell Tyler - Advisor
  • Ms. Shirley Katz - Client

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